Luciano: A long life, and one not long enough

I'd hoped to wish Walter Lowery a happy 100th birthday Friday. Instead, he will be laid to rest.

Phil Luciano

Life is as precious as it is precarious:

Time to go: I'd hoped to wish Walter Lowery a happy 100th birthday Friday. Instead, he will be laid to rest.

Last week, I commiserated that I'd missed my first - and, it turns out only- chance to meet Lowery. He went into the hospital just before I was to visit his West Peoria home.

His longevity involved a dedication to calisthenics. Every day, he did 100 push-ups: 50 upon rising and 50 before bedtime. In between, he'd throw in 20 sit-ups.

That's pretty good for anybody, especially a 99-year-old. He'd stuck to that regimen for decades, up to this Thanksgiving.

He started feeling sick, and a faulty heartbeat sent him to the hospital early this month. His family had hoped to have him home by Friday. I dared to dream that he'd one day show me at least one push-up.

He closed his eyes, drifted off to sleep and died peacefully. His daughter will focus on his upbeat attitude when she delivers his eulogy at his funeral - exactly a century after he came into this world.

"It's sort of a happy birthday, going-away ceremony," she says.

Trying to stay: Rich and Veronica Manzella want to thank you.

We visited the Normal couple recently. Each of the 45-year-olds was diagnosed with cancer this year. She has breast cancer; dozens of radiation treatments apparently have left her in the clear, for now. He has pancreatic cancer; it will kill him within a year.

He can't work, so the loss of income hurts as they raise a pair of grade-schoolers. She continues to work, but health insurance doesn't cover hefty out-of-pocket costs. So, friends held a benefit in her hometown of Streator. More than 600 well-wishers showed, including many of you readers.

"It gave Rich a chance to address the crowd and thank friends and family for all that they are doing for us, in terms of prayers, kindness and support," she says.

"He's doing what he needs to do so he can stay here as long as possible," she says.

Plus, they continue to strive for family moments. For instance, a new friend gave them sky-box Chicago Bulls tickets. The kids enjoyed the game, plus sightseeing.

"We're still trying to create memories for the kids," Veronica says.

PHIL LUCIANO is a Journal Star columnist. He is on Facebook at "Phil Luciano, Columnist." Reach him at pluciano@pjstar.com or 686-3155. Luciano co-hosts "The Markley & Luciano Show" from 5:30 to 9 a.m.